Cell Cycle

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication (replication). It consists of phases including interphase and mitosis.

Front

What are the main phases of the cell cycle?

Back

The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase (G1, S, G2) and Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase) followed by Cytokinesis.

Front

What happens during Interphase?

Back

During Interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of three sub-phases: G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

Front

What is Mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division where a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Front

What is Cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells.

Front

What occurs during Prophase?

Back

During Prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

Front

What occurs during Metaphase?

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During Metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What occurs during Anaphase?

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During Anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers.

Front

What occurs during Telophase?

Back

During Telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, de-condense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

Front

What is the duration of the cell cycle in most animal cells?

Back

The whole cell cycle for most animal cells typically lasts about 24 hours.